1St Trimester Nausea Fighting Suggestions Needed

Updated on November 25, 2008
N.L. asks from Saint Louis, MO
37 answers

I am in my first trimester of 2nd pregnancy. I have afternoon nausea (3pm - bedtime), an aversion to cooking meat smells, tiredness, aversion to sweet foods that I used to love, an inability to burp, a need for saltier food, feelings of nausea before and after eating and drinking but not during, and only occasional mini throw-ups that make me feel better. If you have had these same symptoms and found something that eases discomfort that isn't a drug, can you please let me know. I'm thinking of trying B6 - any success stories for these symptoms? Also, does exercise or fresh air help in any way (only in regard to symptoms - of course I know they would be good for me regardless!!)

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So What Happened?

All responses have been marvelous. I particularly liked the suggestion that 'motion sickness' from the t.v. and computer are making it worse - I think this is true for me. Also advice about Ensure (a little bit throughout the day) seems to have worked, as has keeping my stomach from getting empty. Thanks a lot.

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G.N.

answers from St. Louis on

Have you tried granny smith apples, they always helped when i had some nausea. Never did the throwing up thing, but had slight nausea in the very beginning and they helped me. You can always try eating saltine crackers.

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K.S.

answers from Kansas City on

N. -

Yes, yes, yes! Take B6. You will need to take it and 1 Bennedryl every 8 hrs. I took 50 mg of B6 each dose...it was the ONLY thing that helped me. I had severe nausea and felt horrible! This was my lifesaver...

Hope you feel better soon,
K.

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E.W.

answers from St. Louis on

I haven't tried B6, but have heard good things about it. Also, ginger is supposed to work well. I have a couple of friends that have had success with it. I know you can make teas, buy ginger candy or try real gingerbread cookies or snaps.

Good luck!

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D.B.

answers from Kansas City on

If you believe that acupressure might work, try Sea-Bands. They are wrist bands that you can get online or at a pharmacy as an anti-seasickness treatment. It worked really well for me. (If you think that acupressure is hokey or silly, your mind might override the effectiveness of them - the brain is very powerful in making us nauseated. Studies on the effectiveness of Sea Bands on cancer patients going through chemotherapy have shown scientific evidence of this being really helpful for some.)

Also, make sure you never let yourself get hungry. Try ginger, which is a great herb for nausea... ginger ale, ginger snaps.... I would eat things with ginger instead of taking herbal supplements or anything else unless directed by my ob-gyn.

Then, the scent of peppermint oil helped me a lot, too.

Good luck!

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K.S.

answers from St. Louis on

To help my nausea during early pregnancy I ate peppermints with real peppermint oil, drank real ginger ale w/ crackers, and ate very small portions. It seemed to help me feel better most of the time...

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L.W.

answers from Kansas City on

My midwife suggested sniffing lemon oil on a handkerchief and it cured me! I bought a small bottle at a health food store and have not had morning sickness since. I had tried anti-nausea meds and several other things before finding my midwife, and her suggestion is what worked for me. Hope this helps.

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K.K.

answers from Springfield on

I had terrible nausea and I had to force myself to eat. Prepackaged Peanut butter crackers was the one thing that was much easier to deal with when I was really sick to my stomach and when I would eat in the late afternoon evening, I would get really sick afterward and the only thing that helped was taking a LONG walk. I would just walk until my stomach settled down. I actually got to walking several miles, you should be able to throw your Little one in a stroller and walk so long as you stay warm, I would go to a mall if you live in an inclimate area. Also my OB/GYN had me take SEVERAL different prenatal vitamins (a lot of samples) until we got through the really rough patch of nausea. I was naseaus though my ENTIRE pregnancy but it was at its worst in the end of the first and begining of the second trimester. As others have suggested the small portions throughout the day helps as does plenty of rest but I have to say walking was my savior! Hope this helps!

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C.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I know exactly how you feel! I just finished with all of that myself about 2 weeks ago. I am so glad to be feeling better. The only thing that I found that worked for me was Ruffles plain potato chips and Sprite that was out of a can over ice. My last pregnancy it was pretzels and Diet Pepsi. I lived off of the Ruffles and Sprite for 3 months straight. Unfortuneatly I don't have any other words of wisdom for you. One of the girls that I work with told me about these things called "Prego Pops." She said that they were at Walgreens and they helped her. I have never tried them myself so I don't know much about them but I thought I would throw that out there for you. Good luck and I hope that you feel better soon!

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M.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I had the same time, I've never had morning sickness - only afternoon!!
Never let yourself get hungry.
Saltines really can help.
For whatever reason, licorice helped me - the red Twizzler kind.

I have been pregnant twice so far and both times I had an unbelieveable amount of chocolate malts and Wendy's frosties.... I know everyone jokes that pregnant women want ice cream, but it's because it goes down so smooth, it doesn't upset the stomach. You said you don't like sweet foods right now, and that's what happened to me, too, but I could always drink a malt or shake!

Good luck! I was also in my first trimester with a 14 month old - whew. That's tough. Tough to keep up with them when you are that tired. Don't worry though, it's worth it!!! Mine are now 10 months and almost 2 1/2 and it's SO FUN!!! They just have a blast together!

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M.B.

answers from Kansas City on

Hello! I feel for you! The cooking meat smells and riding in a car used to get to me too. I chewed on the dried ginger that you find in the packages in the produce department and it worked wonders. A piece whenever nausea hit and it usually did the trick, drug free (and pleasant tasting, too!) Good luck!

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K.C.

answers from La Crosse on

Ginger/Ginger Root/Ginger Ale/Ginger Candy is one option to use. I used Vitamin B6 and a 1/2 of a sleeping pill (Unisom). That worked well.

Check out this website:
http://www.morningsicknesshelp.com/morningsicknessremedie...

Congratulations!

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A.D.

answers from Kansas City on

Oh girl...I feel for you! I had actually forgotten how yucky it felt until I read your post. It's amazing how our bodies let us forget that stuff.

I had similar symptoms up until week 15 or so...
I did use the "Sea Bands" (don't know if they helped, but I was desperate) and B6 (50mg) in addition to my prenatal vit. They also switched my Prenatal vit to "Premesis" which is much easier on the stomach, then I switched back to my regular vitamin after the nausea went away.
Lemon drops and lemon flavored candies really helped me out.
Preggie pop drops (candies) also helped. I also chewed on a slice of ginger root once in a while and that seemed to help too. I was like you...eating helped, but it had to be continuois, so I would break up my snacks and just keep eating bits of things all the time (even at work). Saltines did NOT work for me and to this day, I can barely stomach them as I relate them to trying them for the "all day sickness" I endured.
Good luck and thanks for the "reality check" reminder!

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C.G.

answers from Columbia on

My sister-in-law took B vitamins for nausea and said they really helped. Not sure which B's though.

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L.B.

answers from St. Joseph on

I know you have an aversion to a drug but I would highly recommend getting a supplement from the health food store. Get Ginger in tablet form and take it. It really does help. Also, eating anything with ginger will also help the nausea (ginger snaps, ginger ale, etc.) The B6 also helps but I used that in conjunction with the Ginger tablets (just one a day)

As for the smells, make sure you carry a hankey or something around with you that you can put over your mouth so you can quickly leave the area w/o further breathing the air. Fresh air helps IMMENSELY.

I too was insane for salty foods (especially green olives) with my first pregnancy. That's actually how I knew I was pregnant...I ate a whole jar in one day by myself! LOL..just be really really careful b/c the salt will make you retain water and your toes and ankles will swell like you won't believe and will be painful! Try to limit yourself or snag 2-3 at a time and go back in an hour or two for a few more but definitely keep up the liquids. If water isn't helping try Ginger ale or Sprite/Seven up/Sierra Mist...these will also help with the burping. If you like bottled water get the Smart Water as it has electrolytes just like Gatorade but doesn't have the flavor...I LOVE IT! If you are tired TAKE A NAP. I remember very well my first trimesters where I could hardly make it home from work and collapse into bed. Food became unimportant to me compared to the sleep.

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S.D.

answers from Topeka on

I know what you mean i'm 24 weeks pregnant and had nausea all the time with all my kids what helped is of course an ICE Cold Coke and eating what tastes good.I love sweets and still do over do it a little.Also there is preggie pops that are all natural and god but lemon will help as well or hard candy to suck on.They say your nausea is from not eating enough and your tummy is empty so eat plenty of snacks and drink up.

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T.W.

answers from Kansas City on

I don't know if you can take this when pregnant or not, but you can try Cola syrup. It is available over the counter.

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J.F.

answers from Kansas City on

Ginger helps fight nausea. They sell tea bags at the health food stores & also loose Ginger. Gingerale really does work for me as well. For me I had to eat crackers before I moved when I woke up in the morning. I didn't even roll over or sit up...just reached over ate 3-4 saltine crackers and waited a minute or two before I moved. It sounds like yours is a different part of the day but it's worth a try. At least gingerale & or crackers before you eat. My friend found a wrist band that pushes a pressure point that helped fight nausea for her. Good luck!

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H.H.

answers from Kansas City on

I had this with my first child. I had to sleep everytime I felt nausea and after a few hours I felt better. That could be tough for you since you have a 14 month old to look after so maybe lying down on the couch and have toys and a movie going for the baby while you try to rest until the nausea leaves might help. That seemed to be the only thing that worked for me.

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M.R.

answers from St. Joseph on

N.:

I had those almost exact symptoms while I was pregnant with my daughter. The only difference is you throw up I didn't. I craved salty foods like chips and popcorn and even though I couldn't eat because I was nausous(sp) I made myself eat at least some popcorn with some salt so I would feel at least a little better. Mine lasted until my early second trimester so just think of it as there is a light at the end of the tunnel lol.

Good luck and congratulations.
M.

M.B.

answers from St. Louis on

I had mild sickness with my first, with my second it was horrible and actually hospitalized twice for it. It was horrible, it lasted over 5 months! Doesnt sound like yours is too too bad. Things that helped me with my first was sprite, (or anything with carbonation), saltine crackers, taking warm bath, toast, I didnt like to eat anything hot. I always liked green apples. I know sometimes you dont feel like eating but if you dont eat it actually makes it worse. Try to eat something little every couple hours so your stomach doesnt get empty. My doctor said b6 too but it didnt really work for me. Also try taking your vitamens when your feeling good because those can make you feel icky. I had to change vitamens a couple times to find one that didnt make me sick. Hope some of this helps! Congrats on baby!

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K.D.

answers from St. Louis on

I had the same afternoon nausea during my pregnancy. If you are familiar with yoga, don't have any knee problems and/or have a knowledgeable teacher, the pose supta virasana with lots of support under the back, head and a blanket under the shins helped me EVERY time. However, I highly recommend finding a teacher that can help you with the pose because it can be quite challenging if you are stiff or have knee or ankle problems. If you are in the St. Louis area I am available!

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H.S.

answers from St. Louis on

Ginger snaps, gingerale, crystalized ginger...ginger worked for me. it helps to calm the tummy and if you get the fresh ginger that you use for sushi...cleanses the palate as well :)

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B.S.

answers from St. Louis on

Hello,
I can honestly say I didn't have time to look at all of the responses so you may have already recieved this suggestion. There is an item for sale called preggie pops. They are suckers that are stomach soothing. They also sell Preggie Drops that are more like a little piece of hard candy. That is what I found towards the end of my 1st trimester to help me out.

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K.L.

answers from Kansas City on

I had bad nausea during my last pregnancy and I took Ginger Root Capsules. My Dr. said they were perfectly safe to take and I got a large bottle of them at WalMart. I would take one right when I got up and continue every 4 or so hours. If I took them regularly, the nausea was almost eliminated. If I forgot, then I would feel the nausea come back and it took about 30-45 minutes for the bad feelings to go away after I took a capsule. I lived on these for the first 15 weeks and then my nausea went a way thank goodness.
My girlfriend swears by the wrist bands and I have heard of others who have had good sucess with them too.
Good Luck!

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J.C.

answers from Kansas City on

I am in the same boat right now with my second pregnancy and it being my first trimester. I have starte dthe B6, my doctor said 50mg three times a day and that I have to continue to take it regularly for it to benefit me. They also said it would take about 5 days for it to start working. I also had my doctor call me in some zofran. I took it with my first child, but this one has been much worse. I take it every 12 hours pretty much. It helps a lot! Good luck!

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C.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I have had this problem with all three of mine only it didn't go away after the 1st trimester. Here is what has worked for me. The first one, I ate a small snack every 2-3 hours. Mostly fruits and veggies or crackers, just something in my stomach so that I never got hungry. It was always worse when I was hungry even though I really didn't feel like eating. Second one I figured out that the being on the computer made me sick. My mom also got motion sick really easy in her pregnancies. Watching TV or animals in motion, even your toddler running around the house could make it worse. Nothing you can do about the toddler but try avoiding the computer and the TV for a couple of days and see if that helps. Third baby (currently pregnant) a light bulb went off for me. Most women while pregnant have a post nasal drip thing that can be rather irritanting. For me, the mucous builds up in the back of my throat and chokes me making me feel like I need to be sick. Once I get the mucous out, I am ok until it builds up again. Sorry if that kind of grosses you out. Solution, suck on candy or chew gum. I am not generally a gum chewer but with this pregnancy, I have had it in my mouth constantly. The reason it works is because it makes you swallow all the time so the mucous never gets stuck. It doesn't matter what flavors even though peppermint might help if you really are nauseous but just pick a few of your favorite flavors and start chewing. Hopefully, it won't last too much longer for you. Good luck!

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R.H.

answers from St. Louis on

I only wish someone would have told me about B6 sooner in my last pregnancy! What a miracle cure that was for me. I was getting sick all the time and I was finally told by my doctor that I could take up to 4 vitamins per day of B6. I took 2 the first day and felt great, after that, I only had to take 1 for a few more days and after that I rarely needed it. There were still the occasional moments that I would need one, but shortly after I took it I would feel 100% better. Good luck!

S.T.

answers from Kansas City on

I deffinetely know how you feel! I am in my second trimester of my first pregnancy, and I had all day nausea for about 7 weeks. I had pretty much the same symptoms as you are having. The only thing that worked for me was to just eat slowly and rest. It didnt take away the nausea completely, but it took the edge off. Now, I feel nauseous pretty much every morning for a few hours, but it is nothing like before. Wish I had some advice or some miracle cure, but all I can say is, I have been there and know how much it sucks, but it will go away.

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L.G.

answers from Kansas City on

I used the little Starlight peppermint candies too. I also found the wristbands at the pharmacy. I don't remember the name of them, but they are marketed more for motion sickness than morning sickness (they work great for both). I wore mine most of the first trimester and they worked great for me! Hope you get some relief soon - it'll all be over before you know it!

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D.R.

answers from St. Louis on

I had the same symptoms when I was pregnant with my daughter. I found that chewing gum really made me feel a lot better. I was in love with Orbit Bubblemint.

Good luck!
D.

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A.B.

answers from Kansas City on

I had a lot of the same symptoms during my pregnancies as well. One of the best things that worked for me was sipping hot beef or chicken broth. I would just dissolve a beef boullion cube in hot water or fix a packet of lipton cup of chicken noodle soup and sip on those. It seemed to settle my stomach enough that I could then eat something else. Maybe this will help you too. Good luck!

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S.B.

answers from Kansas City on

well, i ate oatmeal right before bed which helped keep my stomach fuller in the morning so I wasnt throwing up as much. I'm not as sure about afternoon nausea.

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S.D.

answers from St. Louis on

I was sick day and night for the first five months with our son. I tried ginger and it has worked for some of my friends...ginger tea, ginger soda, gingersnap cookies, ginger root in boiling water, etc... My OB said Rolaids were good b/c it would give me a calcuim boost and they moderately helped for heart burn. Outside air was the only thing that helped for me. I actually did "Yoga Mama" DVD and took daily 3-4 mile walks. Congratulations!

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E.S.

answers from St. Louis on

Try rubbing peppermint oil on the soles of your feet. My midwife suggested it and it works great. You can reapply it as often as needed. Good luck!!

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M.H.

answers from Joplin on

I know this sounds silly and I don't know how I figured it out, but.....
I use to pour a little lemon juice in a small cup (about 1-2 oz.) Then I would add salt to taste. I would take a spoon and dip it into the mixture that then stick it into my mouth. Then salty lemony mixture really helped....weird though I know. I think it derived from when I was younger and my mom and I would love to cut lemons and eat them with salt.
Hope this helps!
M. Hazen
Enhancing Lives One Family AtA Timehttp://www.StayingAtHomeWithMyKids.com

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M.G.

answers from Kansas City on

I loved Preggie Pops. You can get them at Motherhood maternity. Good luck and congrats!

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B.C.

answers from Joplin on

I know it sounds crazy but the little starlight peppermints saved me from getting sick on a lot of occassions, any time I started to feel nautious I just popped the hard peppermint candy in my mouth and it helped every time. I got to were I carried them in pockets, in my purse, and had them in every room of the house.
Good luck!
B.

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